Sopore: Following massive outcry and protests by distressed farmers over dried-up paddy fields in north Kashmir’s Zaingeer region, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has successfully restored water supply to the affected areas, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of families.
The Commissioner Secretary of Irrigation and Flood Control acted swiftly after receiving reports of the crisis, while officials from the department in Handwara extended full support from Tuesday evening. Water has now started reaching the affected fields through key irrigation channels.
“Today, enough water has been released to meet immediate needs. It will now gradually spread to all the fields over the next 7 to 8 days,” a group of farmers from Sagipora told Daily Gadyal.
The farmers expressed gratitude for the timely intervention. “We thank Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Raina, Agriculture Minister Javed Dar, and MLA Rafiabad for standing with us in this crisis. Their prompt response has brought hope back to our villages,” said one of the farmers.
We are also thankfull to media persons for media coverage, soon after video went viral, administration came into action, they said.
Villages like Zaloora, Sagipora, and Harwan, which had either skipped paddy cultivation or faced near-crop failure, are now hopeful of recovering from the disaster.
Just a day earlier, farmers had staged a protest, pleading for help and warning of suicides if water was not restored immediately. The return of irrigation water is expected to prevent further losses and revive the agricultural season in the area.
